"
"Never alludes to her past life?"
"Never--we never speak of it; I have carefully avoided doing
so, in the hope that with time, and a settled home, and new
interests, she could cease to think of it altogether; and I
trust I have succeeded. The memory of it can only be painful
to her now, poor child, for, though I have never referred to
the subject in any way, I feel convinced she must have learnt
by this time to see her father's character in its true light."
"It is possible," said Graham. "Well, as I was saying; Aunt
Barbara, for the sake of the promise I made her father on his
death-bed, if for no other reason, I shall and must always
take an interest in Madelon."
"And I for her mother's sake," replied Mrs. Treherne, stiffly.
"If you have no other interest in Madelon than----however, it is
useless to discuss that. I want to know how we have
disappointed you--Madelon and I--for you are disappointed; tell
me, Horace--I am really anxious to know."
"Dear Aunt Barbara, I am not at all disappointed; or, if I am,
it is not your fault or hers--quite the reverse.
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